Knee pain can start in 40s. Watch for ‘cinema sign’
People in their 40s and early 50s are increasingly complaining of knee aches, and experts attribute that to lifestyle changes, obesity and high-impact fitness routines. Dr Rajesh Malhotra, orthopaedic surgeon at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Delhi, tells you how to protect one’s knees before permanent damage sets in
Poor lifestyle, obesity, sedentary habits, and desk jobs — especially among IT professionals — increase stress on the knees. Long hours of driving and frequent travel also contribute. Flats without lifts means repeated stair climbing, and Indian-style toilets require deep knee bending, which can aggravate symptoms. Wearing high heels alters knee alignment and increases pressure on joints over time. High-intensity sports, contact injuries and aggressive gym workouts also lead to early joint degeneration. Hypothyroidism can also predispose people to joint problems.